Research team aims to predict response of storm-hit beaches

Led by Plymouth University, the team is using cameras, laser scanners and acoustic devices to formulate the clearest picture yet of how gravel is moved up and down beaches.

Prof Gerd Masselink, from Plymouth University’s School of Marine Science and Engineering, is leading the research effort. He said: ‘Gravel beaches extend along more than 1,000km of the coastline of England and Wales and represent sustainable coastal defences that can protect low-lying regions from flooding. However, limited scientific guidance is currently available to provide beach managers with operational management tools to predict the response of these beaches to storm conditions.

‘The aim of this project is to develop such a predictive capability through an integrated research approach, involving novel field experimentation, comprehensive beach monitoring and innovative computer modelling.’

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and in partnership with academics from the US and Australia, the Environment Agency, Channel Coastal Observatory and HR Wallingford, the project is running throughout March at Loe Bar, near Porthleven.